My Top 5 Favorite Paddlecraft: #1 of 5 Northstar Northwind Solo

[@johnwilcox6409]

Excellent narrative on why you canoe. Totally rang true with me. My dad got me into canoeing, as his dad did to him. I'm nearly 70 now and still love to canoe. Kayaks are cool, but there's something really special about the feel of a canoe on the water. My Wenonah Sandpiper is like a best friend. (I love Northstars and Swifts too.) God bless.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

John Wilcox thanks John. Sounds like your roots run deep. Just wonderful. Happy Paddlin b

[@thomaschekouras2287]

Love the vid, a ton of heart. The paddling lesson was good for kayaking too. I hope you and the family are well, can’t wait to paddle with you again.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thomas Chekouras we are Tom. Time for us to look inward and see what we’re about. Really enjoying it despite the hardships.

[@matthewchilders5263]

Love your story about your first boat. I'm ready to get back on the water. Thanks again for your channel and your true input on a variety of different kayaks for a variety of different people kayaking. Best wishes for you and your family

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Matthew Childers thanks Matt. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@billeddingfield4966]

I think this time is for many to use as a social/ mental/ spiritual reset! It is tough for many, but I truly feel that everything is going to rebound in unimaginable ways! Thank you for your videos, you have helped me all winter to fill the void when I couldn't get out on my yak! Your insight and passion for paddling has taught me quite a bit! Keep up the great work my friend!!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Bill Eddingfield I like your words about the rebound. I think we’re are being showed a dose of perspective. It’s defiantly humbling to me and causing me to refocus on what’s important. Cheers and stay safe.

[@srappywoo]

Excellent video, thank you so much. We love our Tandem Northstars and are starting to think about a solo. This was very helpful. Others in our club poohoo the composite boats but we love this brand

[@GeorgiaTrappingandFishing]

Great paddling video!! Beautiful scenery too 👏👏

[@MillimeterMech]

Great video, and great boat! Great technique talk! I have a Phoenix in Blacklite in a kneeling configuration and couldn’t be happier! Cheers from southwest Michigan!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

MillimeterMech69 that sounds like an awesome boat! I have the IXP Phoenix and love it. My river boat.

[@MillimeterMech]

Headwaters Kayak It is excels on rivers. I walk across the road and get right in my local one!

[@ScottOut-n-About]

Did you say “I like myself best when I become a boat”? Because if heard that right it’s the reason i hit pause and then subscribed and then resumed the video. The rest of the video confirmed my earlier decision was a good one. Thanks for sharing!

[@Balonishell]

Great video. Great info, beautiful setting.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

🙏

[@justinmay166]

Canoes are awesome! Love fishing from canoes.

[@boatman222345]

This was published in March 2020 but I am reading it for the first time in May 2022 and loving it! I grew up with boats, have owned nearly three times more boats than cars, and at age 76 finally just retired asa professional charter boat captain. And nobody, simply nobody writes better about self propelled travel by canoe or kayak than Dan! I just love his enthusiasm and just plain common sense aproacch to boating.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks for the kind words and for being part of the journey!

[@mrblueskynm3968]

Wonderful Dan! Because of you, I recently decided to get into kayaking and so I bought a Moken 12.5 V2 about a month ago. It definitely opened up a new chapter in my life as an outdoorsman. I've only been out a couple of time, but it was great! Sadly, because of the situation at hand, I'm not able to find open water to go kayaking at this time. However, I have great faith in our country to overcome this event and look forward to many paddling adventures in the near future. Thank you so much for being such an inspiration! Be safe! ATB from NM. --Darren

[@HeadwatersKayak]

MrBlueSkyNM thats awesome Darren. Stoked to see where it takes you. Hopefully you’ll share your adventures on our Headwaters Yak Life group on Facebook.

[@justinrex628]

Hey man, I didn't find your channel until a few weeks ago. But I want you to know I spend alot of time watching your videos and you are definitely a positive influence in my life!

[@oldguydiscgolf9631]

Thank you for the AMAZING video Dan!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Old Guy Disc Golf my pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@ickukln]

I have said this before to you. and others on KZbin (Greg Blanchard, Chris out west) have inspired me to get in the kayak fishing game. I knew I was going to buy my first kayak, but where and who was up for grabs. I research what I wanted to get, 3 waters big fish 105 and when you did your review on it on how stable it is ( except for reaching for camera lol) I knew I was getting it from you. I will also buy my paddle and PFD from you too. Thank you Sir for all that you do your info on the sport is why I’m here and your heart.

[@daveanderson8776]

Dude you hooked me 🐸🚣🏿‍♀️👍🏼

[@theoutdoordad7395]

Great video, best wishes for a quick recovery. There's just something smooth and special about paddling a good canoe. God bless!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Dennis Johnson agreed 100%

[@theoutdoordad7395]

@@HeadwatersKayak - Would you recommend the Northwind Solo or or the Trilium for a shorter, 170lb paddler that would use it mostly for day trips?

[@gwlane5509]

Great positive video! A friend just got a solo and loves it. Wish you good health much sales and many more paddling adventures to share!

[@katrinafey533]

Your videos are amazing! I am so happy i came across your channel. Thanks for making these videos!

[@nativewatersports2746]

Great story. I also had an aha moment that got me back into into paddling and now own a paddle sports shop here in Florida. Paddle safe. Ted

[@kursah]

Wish you all well through this pandemic and are able to get your paddle on soon. Looking forward to the other end, but thanks to you Dan, I have found a new love for the paddle sport which led me to purchasing a Crescent Lite Tackle last year. Can't wait to get back on the water as the ponds and lakes thaw, there really is something about being out in nature on the water. I've been looking at canoes recently too, I miss having one. Never heard of the Nortshtar Northwind Solo, but seems really awesome though I'd probably end up getting the tandem so I can take the wife. For now, getting on the water in the LT is just something else for me, I get in the zone and just paddle and enjoy the surroundings. Stop and fish a bit, paddle onto the next and enjoy the hell out of it. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, experience, and time with us. I look forward to your next videos!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Kursah my pleasure! I’ll be doing a video on my tandem canoe soon. It’s in my top 5 as well. Love to hear that your finding so much joy in paddling. It’s a great way to spend our times.

[@mikeahlf8098]

I have just started getting into kayaking. That being said, I do not have one yet and have been doing a lot of research. I appreciate your videos and your views on different watercrafts and not just the high-end ones.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Heck yes man. My goal has always been to support folks no matter where they’re at in their paddlesports journey. It’s a lifetime sport if people get off to a good start. Happy Paddlin!

[@bobbystaats1846]

I can’t agree more our world has been turned inside out 🧐🧐🧐 being out on the river brings me back to God 😇😇😇 seeing all his beauty 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@bradvoogel]

Great advice and boat.

[@shawnolson4522]

Man. Your awesome. Well said. I found your channel searching for a fishing kayak. I decided now would be a good time to start fishing given the current circumstances. This video has inspired me to practice padding my 15' coleman canoe. I'm also excited to purchase the lifetime tamarack pro and catch some fish. My birfday was yesterday and on tuesday I'm going the Buttes to gold lake or packer lake or who knows. All I know I is I'll be padding and hopefully landing a fish. I'm a terrible fisherman as of now but I'm letting you tube teach me. Just want to say thanks for your awesome content and super informative reviews and skills lessons. Have a great one and best of health to you and yours.

[@TheMoelexus]

Once again nice uplifting video love boat camping tons of fun please keep your spirits up this is definitely a good time for self reflection what better way then to so then being on the water!!!stay safe .also I was wondering if you ever thought about doing some scenario videos for example if you would loose your paddle what would you do? Or if you flip in a river with moving water or the list goes on ? Put 1 out every year if anything it is a good excuse to go for a kayak camping trip with your friends!!!! Once again I really can't thank you enough.

[@upnorthwithbrian5700]

Thanks for the video. I have been trying to learn how to paddle my solo canoe without switching sides. I’ve watched quite a few videos but I just couldn’t get it. You did a great job with your camera angle and your explanation. I’m gonna give it another try.Thanks! (I happen to have almost the exact canoe that you were demonstrating, I’m not an expert at all, but I really like it so far.)

[@grimbleahoy]

Stumbled onto this channel while searching for a post lockdown canoe. Been a 20 year absence from the sport and I've missed that nature healing aspect you've touched on. Enjoying the back vids and finding useful tips and info as well. I'm at the centre of the Norfolk Broads UK so plenty of water; and though unfortunately unlikely to make it to your neck-of-the-woods, your vid is the best kind of 'socialising at a (great) distance'!

[@TheGolfMasterDad]

Great video!

[@gingersnap2121]

Dude!! Your awesome

[@JimHep]

Just started solo canoeing! Been kayaking for years and wanted something fresh and new. Thank you for this video. Great video/commentary/instruction. Been paddling a demo Wenonah Wilderness in T-Formex. Just ordered a kevlar with all wood gunwales/trim. Taking delivery after things settle down. Keep it up! Thanks again!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Tyler Hoepker nice dude congrats! Hope you have many rad adventures with it. Post pics of your new canoe in the Headwaters Group when you get it. Would love to see.

[@tombeckett4340]

Thanks great video cheers 🇨🇦

[@michaelelling5439]

In no particular order 1. Rehbein Wood and Canvas Canoe, 2. Bell Northwoods, 3. Bell Magic, 4. Bell Rob Roy, 5. Stewart River Traveler. Great video by the way, enjoyed it.

[@Nocturnal440]

Great info! 🙌🏼

[@hadrinasvault2525]

Just got a brand new vibe yellow fin 100 for 94.49 can not wait to get out on the water. I am new at this and watched your review on this particular boat. So sorry about you having to let your staff go. My job also let alot of employees go and some of us like myself went down in hours. Very grateful to have a job still for sure. What's nice is more time to do the things we love. Can't wait for your next video. Peace to you and yours.

[@09ironman1]

great video Dan

[@sburger1685]

Thanks for the advice. I use to whitewater paddle all the rivers in west Virginia Maryland and Pa. I then got married and send goodbye. Now, my kids are grown and doing their thing. It’s time before I am out of time. My wife is kind of - eh. So I think my dog and I is best. Often times even buddies are always trying to direct. Be well!

[@lizard2425]

Excellent. Well said Brother.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Lizard thank you.

[@WildWonderfulWeekends]

Awesome video sir!

[@markgandy3270]

Hi Dan. Really enjoy your videos. I am from Australia so we don't have a lot of the yaks available that you review. Saying that I own a hurricane santee. Again enjoy your work. Cheers mate

[@scottengh1175]

Nice. Like the green. Great reason to go Gold, hybrid glass and kevlar. I have a 30 year old Mad River Independence solo hybrid glass and kevlar. The think I dislike about it is it's too close to a Northwood solo to make the switch. Awesome starter canoe--Advantage. Wow, wow, wow. Hitting on all cylinders.

[@georgewilliamssr5230]

Ahhhhh! Everybody is Kung Flu fighting 😷 do do do do doot do doot doot do do doot. That boat is fast as lighting... 🤔 You know the rest of the song.

[@0verfiend]

wtf?

[@2010Spur]

Hey, thanks for the video. I was planning to come to see you this summer as we were visiting my sister this summer in Stockton but I don't know if we'll make it there now. I have enjoyed learning from you as I am just beginning my voyage in kayaking. Be safe.

[@bobclapper2672]

I Love your Vids .

[@HeadwatersKayak]

bob clapper glad you enjoy them Bob. Your the reason I keep making them.

[@raulbreceda5809]

Wooow never knew how you got into the industry that's amazing inspired me there no kayak shops here in fresno ca or even a proper kayak ramp launch anywhere near me

[@HeadwatersKayak]

There is a shop called Sunsports in Turlock that is bringing in some kayaks. I just talked to the owner Dennis today and set him up with a fleet of boats for next Spring.

[@raulbreceda5809]

@@HeadwatersKayak wooow thanks for the info will be planning a visit soon gonna buy my wife a kayak so we can go to the rivers&lakes together

[@glassassoc]

great inspiration, we'll all be back

[@tombeckett4340]

That first stroke is called a Canadian stroke. I’ll bet you knew that. 👍🇨🇦

[@jeanneneeikenberry7639]

Thank you ror your vids

[@sbellosa]

I get it ! What do you think about using a manual-inflatable vest for flatwater paddling? Foam PDFs really annoy me sometimes.

[@paulphillips7121]

I am not a canoe or kayak guy yet but I can still relate. I am most at home and in my truest form when on a Trout Stream. Some of us are not meant for the daily corporate world. We social distance all the time because of who we are at our core.

[@joeso8114]

Things are not really that much different after the virus. I do mostly outdoor activities, so only had to make a slight adjustment to my lifestyle. People who like to go to concerts and live sports events, well their life changed for sure. Thanks for the review of your boat choice. I only have 3 so useful in deciding what to get next.

[@goonch7956]

Well said

[@michaelnelson3469]

You are one helluva guy.

[@dustymatthews8510]

Hey Dan. How tall are you? Trying to gauge how a tall paddler would do in the Northwind Solo. Do you think it is good for light fishing?

[@philiphinrichs4450]

Dusty Matthews he’s said in previous videos that he’s 6’2’’

[@normd5776]

I feel so sorry for you for being "stuck" where you are... 😀

[@trashpandaproductions864]

I grew up on canoes. Now I'm more into fishing kayaks. Currently in an ss107 and a old town angler as but wanting a cresent UL. But I still use my canoe paddling techniques and they work wonders for the larger yaks.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Joshua Allen yup. The canoe paddle teaches you so much control. It transfers right over to kayaks.

[@benjaminallen2370]

Great vid… just put a deposit on a NW Solo and looking at paddles… curious which one you’re paddling there?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Nice congrats. I was at 58 cm Bending Branches Espresso

[@matthewcurran2109]

What are the black skidplates? They look sleeker than the bulky fiberglass type. Is that after-market or from northstar?

[@scooby8547]

Tnx for this video. I have the Pelican Sonic 80. It is verry stable but also very slow. Did you ever tried the pelican sonic 80?

[@carllamb1565]

Hi Dan. Is there a big difference between this one, the Phoenix, and the Firebird? Just 3 different lengths? Or are there more dramatic hull differences? I’m kind of looking for the do all boat for both flat water and an occasional river trip. Thanks!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Yes lots of difference. Firebird and Phoenix are both Symmetrical rocker boats designed for maneuverability. The phoenix is for larger paddlers and the Firebird for larger. The Northwind and Trillium are similar in there relationship. They both share asymmetrical rocker hulls, meaning the bow has more rocket for cutting waves, and the stern has less for better tracking. The Northwind Solo is for larger paddlers and the Trillium for smaller. As you can see from the video the Northwind is still plenty playful, but much better for cruising.

[@carllamb1565]

Headwaters Kayak Thanks! Have you compared these to any of the solo canoes/pack boats put out by Swift?

[@grega4450]

Sorry Dan about the shop. Hope this turns quickly. We are still able to move around in Victoria BC. Most people are at home. Sobering times. Stay safe

[@danhenryphoto]

Digging these videos and feel ya about getting outside as a reset. How longs it take to get a northwind Polaris in blacklite?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

That would be a question for Ethan Ebersold over at HappyPaddlin.com He handles all the distribution out west these days.

[@potomafia]

How does that Advantage compare to modern NW boats?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

The advantage is still a super sick boat. I’d love to have it back for fitness paddling. Long fast and low to the water.

[@raulbreceda5809]

I'm in the same boat as you are in dan with all that's going on it really does humble you .... when life gets ruff i just get my family an my boys on the river an clear my mind from all this madness

[@SawsetTools]

Hi, What's the purpose for the short knife?

[@michaelchristopher7470]

Great video! I started paddling a canoe when I was 6 yrs. old going out to cut water lilies in the early morning for my mom for the breakfast table. Awesome! I've been using your site recently to guide me in my research to buy my first kayak. By the way I love your green parka. What brand is it? Stay safe and healthy!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Michael Christopher that’s awesome another lifer. The jacket I’m wearing is a Burton down puffy. Its hella old though, I don’t think it’s still in production.

[@carllamb1565]

Hi Dan. You said you got the WG so you could just throw it around. How much rock-banging can you do before you really need the IXP?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

If you're in rivers with rocks the IXP is the way to go. The pressure from current is what can get you in the white gold. For all my day to day paddling including class 1 rivers I use my Northwind in white gold. The IXP Only comes out on river trips or class 2 +

[@mikeblack7855]

Im from west jordan utah got into fishing last year and the thaught of being free on the water with a paddle and a rod makes me wanna try so bad im buying one this summer

[@mikeblack7855]

Do a video on a bike canoe trailer setup that sounds rad

[@vicselixir]

Where can you buy the pad you use to kneel on?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Northstar Canoes makes them. You may be able to find them at happypaddlin.com

[@bradjohnson4787]

Hmm . . . I was looking at a Wenona Solo plus. I did a Mohawk 17 for years now I'm looking at a kayak. J-stroke is the long haul and still switching sides.

[@steely755]

Hello I'm an avid fly fishing Oregonian. I've owned several fishing kayaks. I bought a kayak cause there was a hobie dealer in my neighborhood But I've always really wanted a canoe. Can you recommend one that's fly fishing friendly?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Most canoes are fly dishing friendly by nature. Finding one that works for you, your size and the gear you want to bring is the trick. Check out HappyPaddlin.com and speak to Ethan Ebersold. He’s a wealth of info when it comes to canoes.

[@thekingassassin7992]

Do you guys sale whitewater boats? I sold my two creek boats in WV last September couldn’t fly home with them and am looking for my next adventure

[@GaryESims]

I enjoy polling a canoe...

[@dylanmcgarry1221]

Dan get some creeking in! Please entertain me I'm bored stupid and can't go out paddling!

[@therroon1]

What was the top fishing kayak you had

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Necky Dolphin

[@michelmitchell4550]

Did you add carbon to your stems?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Came stock like that.

[@Patriotic327]

I haven’t purchased a Axis or Stratos 12.5 cause I’d take a Discovery 119 or Esquif I’ve owned a Wenonah Argosy for years I’d rather sit than kneel nowadays.

[@Patriotic327]

Just brought home from Axis 12 from a store like you guys!!! Thanks Dan and Tom for the Axis video. Rockton Adventures in Rockford ILL, really wanted me to be comfy in the Stratos, I just didn’t fit in that style cockpit like a Mamba 8.5. 😎🇺🇸💪👊🤘

[@bretcullison6139]

Dude,you sound exactly like Kevin Costner!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I get that a lot 😂

[@drawwithbeektor6329]

“Skrrrrt”

[@mikecollins8241]

Canoe: you can bring your dog along, kayak: you can't. :)

[@mikeblack7855]

I had no idea you could get a bike canoe trailer fuck yeah

[@KamberKahu]

#HappyPaddle 😀🚣🏼

[@rockingrogershomestead]

I bought an old fiberglass canoe for 300. Usd. worst mistake I ever did. Old fiberglass just got beat to hell.... I now have a canoe with 2 holes, and 6 cracks. I feel depressed bc I have this canoe that I can no longer use....ugh...

[@richardrenneckerjr4631]

I like to buy a used northstar northwind solo canoe